15101To James Madison from Thomas White, 11 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
Desirous of being appointed a Cadet, in the service of the United States; and to be placed as a Student in the Military Academy, under the authority of the United States: being of the age of seventeen years. I respectfully Pray, an appointment to that station; and should the honor be conferred on me, I hope & intend, by due dilligence, to avail myself, of the distinguished advantages, to be...
15102To James Madison from William White, 11 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
The present crisis of our national affairs I am sensible call for, and recieve, your undivided attentions. Under these impressions I should not have ventured to obtrude this paper on your notice, were it not that I could not allow myself in the neglect of that expression of gratitude, which your goodness has called for from me. I render you Sir, my most unfeigned thanks for my appointment to...
15103To John Adams from William White, 3 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
I rcd yours of Octr 29, by Mr Everit: a young Gentleman with whose Talents I had been previously made acquainted, by a Perusal of his Answer to Mr English. It is certainly an able Performance, & shews an Extent of Reading very disproportionate to his Years. A personal Intercourse with him has raised him in my Estimation. Mr Colman has also been recently in this City: But I saw little of him,...
15104To James Madison from Samuel Whiting and Others, 8 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of a respectable number of Citizens from the various parts of the District of Maine assembled at Portland on the 8th. of Decr. 1814 amongst whom were present Genl. Wm. King of Bath—Joshua Wingate Esqr of Do.—Josiah Hook Esq: of Hampden—Jos. Farley Esq: of Waldoborough—James Carr Esq: of Bangor—Honble. Moses Ca[r]lton Esq: Wiscassett—Majr. Jno. Spring, Standwich—Honble. Wm. Widgery...
15105To John Adams from Kilborn Whitman, 2 September 1811 (Adams Papers)
Understanding from good authority, that you have been pleased to interest yourself in my favour, respecting the appointments about to be made by the Executive of this Commonwealth, my feelings of gratitude for your friendship, with the late expressions of it, at a time of all others the most desireable, compel this acknowledgment, the expression of which you will please to accept, as coming...
15106Benjamin F. Whitner to Thomas Jefferson, 7 April 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Well knowing you to be an open and sincere friend and patron of literature, and presuming that it would be highly pleasant for you to hear and see the rapid growth and progression of Science, in all parts of our happy Union, I have taken the liberty of Sending you this catalougue of the Trustees, officers, &C. of the S o Ca. College . Accept this small tribute of esteem and respect for those...
15107To James Madison from Eli Whitney, [ca. August 1814] (Madison Papers)
The Memorial of the Subscriber, Respectfully represents, That in the year 1812 he entered into a specific and formal Contract with the Secretary of War, to manufacture 15,000 muskets for the use of the UStates. That some time afterwards said Contract was placed in the hands of Callender Irvine Esq. Commsry. Genl. of purchases, with directions to see it executed; whereupon a correspondence...
15108To James Madison from Joshua Barker Whitridge, 28 January 1815 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to address you on a subject of extreme delicacy, and of some importance both to me and to the Government. On a subject upon which I have written a copious letter to the late Secretary at War, but obtained no answer. I have only to request, that this may not meet a similar neglect; but at some hour, of most leisure, it may receive that attention which it merits. During the prevalence...
15109John Wickham to Thomas Jefferson, 16 May 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been called on this day, unexpectedly and without any previous Intimation, to institute an action in the Federal Court against You in Behalf of M r Edward Livingston , and being specially instructed to have the process returnable to the next Term which commences on the 22 d Inst. , I have this Day put the process into the Hands of the marshal .— From motives of respect I should have...
15110John Wickham to Thomas Jefferson, 22 May 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Mann delivered me your Letter of the 18 th Inst. & I lost no Time in making your wishes known to Mess rs Hay and Wirt who assure me they shall be duly attended to— Circumstanced as I am my engaging as your Counsel in M r Livingstons
15111To James Madison from Robert Wickliffe, 24 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 December 1812, Lexington, Kentucky. Recommends James Blair for “judge of The Superior Court In the Missouri Teritory.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Blair, James”). 1 p. Addressee not indicated but assumed to be JM on the basis of the fact that Wickliffe’s letter is filed with a similar letter he wrote to Monroe on the same day. James Blair was a lawyer in Lexington who had...
15112To James Madison from Robert Wickliffe, 2 June 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 June 1811, Lexington, Kentucky. States that the present marshal for Kentucky has decided to resign. Recommends as his successor the marshal’s son, Robert Crockett, who “is in the prime of life and possesses fine talents.” The younger Crockett served as a deputy under his father and is familiar with the laws of the state. His appointment would be widely approved. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR ,...
15113William Widgery to James Monroe, 10 May 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 May 1813, Portland. “Sensible of the multiplicity of business, to which the Presidents, attention is continually called nothing but the most urgent necessity could have induced me, to have troubled him, at this time, in behalf of the town of Portland, and Its, vicinity. This town, is the metropolis of Maine lying about 60, miles, North East of Portsmouth, in Newhampshire, the district of...
15114To James Madison from Carl Friedrich von Wiebeking, 19 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
Dans le nombre des monuments publics, les ponts jetés sur des grandes fleuves sont les plus dignes de fixer principalement l’attention des grands hommes d’état, c’est ce qui m’inspire l’audace de présenter à Votre Excellence quelques ouvrages sur une nouvelle construction de ponts éxécutés avec le meilleur succès dans le royaume de Bavière, ainsi que deux memoires sur l’amèlioration des ports....
15115To John Jay from William Wilberforce, 18 July 1810 (Jay Papers)
Calling to mind the friendly Spirit which animates your Letters to me, I am not ashamed of being deemed impertinently selfish, when I commence my Reply to your last very obliging Communication of Nov r . 1809, by telling you, that about a year & 3/4 ago I changed my Residence, & find myself in the Habitation which my family now occupies; & which we find more salubrious than Clapham Common; We...
15116To John Jay from William Wilberforce, 1 August 1809 (Jay Papers)
Though so many Years have passed since We saw or heard from each other, I hope I do not deceive myself when, I presume that we continue to retain each other in friendly Remembrance, not without taking a real Interest in each other’s Well-being— Such at least, I can truly declare, are my own Sentiments & feelings in relation to you; and embracing every Opportunity of inquiring after you, I...
15117To James Madison from Isaac Wilbour, 1 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 December 1812, Little Compton, Rhode Island. Is told that Asher Robbins is willing to accept the office of district attorney for the District of Rhode Island. Believes that if the office goes to Robbins, “the duties there of will be discharged with Honor to him selfe & the Goverment.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Robbins”). 2 pp. Isaac Wilbour (1763–1837) served in the Rhode...
15118To James Madison from Isaac Wilbour, [ca. 1 March 1817] (Madison Papers)
You will not think it arrogant if it is suggested that until perfection becomes a human priviledge we shall always be indebted to experience for that course which will best subserve publick purposes; & when experience points out every honest Man walks in the path. The Money paid for the faithful discharge of the duties of Office; is presumed to be a complete equivalent ther-for. All the...
15119To James Madison from James Wilkinson, 5 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
My Pen is occupied on a narrative, intended for posterity, in which I am desirous to incorporate, every act & incident of my publick Life, which may denote Zeal, & demonstrate Patriotism. Pending my last most unrighteous & fatal Persecution, my solicitude to contribute my humble services, to the common defense, impelled me to petition you, for a prompt trial, agreably to the provisions of the...
15120To James Madison from James Wilkinson, 20 April 1811 (Madison Papers)
The singular hardship of my situation, & the great Interests which I have at Stake, will I flatter myself excuse this deviation from the regular course of my communications to you, which considerations of delicacy towards the Secretary of War imposes on me; for it would be as indecorous to wound his feelings, as it would be unjust to myself, to leave you in the dark, touching the result of the...
15121To James Madison from James Wilkinson, 27 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
The peculiarity of my situation as an officer & its hardship as a Man, will I hope excuse me for making this tresspass on your attention. The conversation which I lately held with my friend Majr. General Dearborn, in consequence I understand of your direction to Him, has occupied my most serious consideration. Conscious as I am of my incapacity, to treat the supreme executive officer of my...
15122To James Madison from James Wilkinson, 29 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the Honor to address you, the day before Yesterday, I perceive by an indorsement on my defense, before the General Court Martial which tried me, I have reserved the right to correct it, which will Enable me with propriety, to alter the manner without changing the matter, and I tresspass this observation on you, to prevent the appearance of caprice or inconsistency in my Conduct....
15123James Wilkinson to Thomas Jefferson, 21 January 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
It is a long time since I have been inclined to write to you, but the pressure of my persecutions, the desolation of my humble fortunes, the abandonment of those who owed me support, and that inextinguis h able pride which is inseperable from conscious Honor, have prevented me.— And now I should not intrude on your time, but to repel a falsehood which has recently come to my knowledge, viz...
15124To James Madison from James Wilkinson, 1 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
The extraordinary nature of the Communication I am about to make, and the Interests of the Person committed to my discretion, will I hope excuse my deviation, from the Ordinary course of my Correspondence, by addressing you directly. I yesterday had a most particular conversation with Governor Folch, & found his Mind decisively made up, as to the course he will pursue should European Spain be...
15125To James Madison from James Wilkinson, 15 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
To James Madison, President of the United States, the memorial of Major-general James Wilkinson, with the highest deference and respect, sets forth— That after thirty years of faithful military service, your memorialist has the misfortune to find himself the only individual of the nation interdicted from drawing his sword in its defence; and this, at a conjuncture when his native country has...
15126James Wilkinson to John Armstrong, 7 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Mail Route, by Burlington, has become dilatory and uncertain; I therefore, send this to Utica, by Express, to advise you, that we are still safe from the Enemy, &, I understand, snug against the weather; but our Troops die at the French Mills, owing, as all ranks avow, to the bad quality of the Flour, Medicine, & Hospital Stores. This circumstance, & the precarious Dependence to be placed...
15127James Wilkinson to John Armstrong, 26 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
Perceiving that the Albany Argus, is endeavouring to mislead the Public Judgement, by shamefully misrepresenting my Conduct, and endeavouring to gloss that of Genl Hampton, & reflecting that it was my orders, & not yours, which he disobeyed, I have sent forward to have him arrested, & having received an intimation, that he was about to quit the District without leave, I shall in such case,...
15128To James Madison from James Wilkinson, 9 October 1811 (Madison Papers)
When I agreed to waive all exception to the Jurisdiction of a Military Tribunal, and submit to a rigorous Scrutiny of my Conduct for more than twenty years past, I did hope, & I am sure it was your intention, Sir, that the proceedings against me should not only be free & unbiased, but that there should not be even cause for Suspicion, that the Government felt any Interest whatever in depriving...
15129To James Madison from Jacob Willard, 12 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of enclosing to Your Excellency a sketch of the part I took in a late Legislative Debate, in this Commonwealth, on a subject, which I apprehend has undergone a discussion, in an other form, at the Capitol. I allude to the late provision of Congress for rece[i]ving any State Corps that might be raised into the National Service. I have been induced to trouble Your Excellency...
15130To James Madison from Simon Willard Jr., 26 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
I regret to trouble you with another letter & beg your indulgence with leave to inform you that I am waiting in anxious expectation to hear from you—and in an Impaired state of health with an anxiety heightened by disappointment. I was extremely disappointed on my arival at Washington to learn of the absence of a Certain friendly acquaintance on whome I relied to assist me to introduce my...
15131To James Madison from Simon Willard Jr., [ca. 21 November 1814] (Madison Papers)
The auther of this work is solicitous to learn in confidence your honorable opinion in regard to its general propriety before the public is aprised of the object in view. I think I have arranged a system of government which will prove practically true—the object of which is the union of the people—the restoration of their rights—the establishment of the national finance—the consolodation of...
15132Joseph Willcocks to John Armstrong, 22 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
When I had the Honor of conversing with You at the Harbour, it appeared to be Your wish that I should write You upon my return to this Country, when, and as often as any thing of Public moment Occured. In consequence of which I now beg leave to lay before You some facts which Most materially effect the plans proposed for the Subdugation of this Province. You recollect no doubt, Sir, that I...
15133To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 3 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
I request your patience to the talk of a man of three score & thirteen. The failure of the expedition of General Wilkinson affords as much exultation to the Malcontents in our Country as it has produced mortification to our friends. That the want of success has in some measure been oweing to the want of foresight is evident. Measures to prevent the rear of the army from being harrased in...
15134To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 25 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
Whether rotation in office in such republics as the United States is correct or not, it most indubitably would be proper to make some changes in this City—Mr Schenck who has long enjoyed a lucrative office, has not, nor ever had any other claim to public attention, than what has arisen from his devotedness to a man who by his avidity for office, and Intrigues has rendered himself obnoxious to...
15135To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 29 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 September 1812, New York. Informs JM that Armstrong has appointed Evert A. Bancker to the office of judge advocate. Praises Bancker and requests confirmation of his appointment. RC ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , W-331:6). 1 p.; docketed as received in the War Department on 5 Oct. 1812. Marinus Willett (1740–1830), Revolutionary War veteran and former sheriff of New York City and County, served as...
15136To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 10 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to present to your favorable consideration Colonel John Livingston for the office of Marshal for the Northern district of this State which I am told is vacant. As it is desirable that the situation should be filled by a gentleman of respectability in whom are united the wishes of the friends of the Administration together with that of his having served in a Military capacity during...
15137To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 4 October 1815 (Madison Papers)
Mr Archibald Wade Hamilton visits Washington with a view of applying for some appointment under our Goverment. Mr Hamilton was born in this city his family are very respectable, His Father who in the ⟨re⟩volutionary war was a Captain in the British army sold his Comission about the close of that war and Married in this city where he has resided ever since, But his connections being principally...
15138To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 26 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
The advantages resulting from having Command of the Lakes are so many and so great that effectual measures ought to be taken to destroy the Naval force of the Enemy as soon as the weather will permit. This object is so very important that to ensure its success all the Ship builders from the Atlantic ports and all the Sailors from our Vessels of war if requisite should be ordered to those parts...
15139To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 15 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 June 1813. Described as a two-page autograph letter, signed, in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 686 (1892), item 1470.
15140To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 4 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have in Company with Major James Fairley written to the Secretary of war recommending General Giles to the Command of a regiment contemplated to be raised for the defence of this place. I was induced to Join in this recommendation from a persuation that the appointment would be generally approved by our citizens, And as General Giles (who appears to possess strength vigor and constitution...
15141To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 29 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Marshal of this District becoming vacant by the Death of General Smith, I beg leave to recommend Roger Strong Esquire for that office. Mr Strong has held several unprofitable offices in this State which he excuted with reputation. His circumstances having been considerably injured by the late situation of our Country requiers him to use every exertion in his power for the support of his...
15142To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 7 February 1814 (Madison Papers)
Forgive Dear Sir my anxiety. If it is true that the enemy are building as many ships on the Lake as we are there is cause for gloomy apprehention. We undoubtedly ought to have a force greatly superior to them, if to acomplish it every ship builder in the United States and every Saylor belonging to our vessels of war were necessary they would be well employed in that service. There should not...
15143To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 17 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 December 1812, New York. After sending his letter to JM to the post office “Yesterday,” was informed that Samuel Swartwout had arrived from Niagara. “I called to see him but had little opportunity of talking with him, from what little I heard it appeared, that the health of the troops at that place is not properly attended to.” Swartwout informed him that he was going to Washington with...
15144To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 16 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 December 1812, New York. Requests JM’s “Indulgence to the talk of an Old Soldier.” “It is not however a little humiliating while I use this appelation as a claim to Indulgence when I reflect on the conduct of some of my old Cotemporaries who have been invested with Command in the late Campaign. Imbecility a want of decition and unsolderly Conduct has marked their proceedings and made our...
15145To James Madison from James Willey, 20 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
When I inform you how unfortunate I have been, I presume you will pardon me for thus addressing you. In the early part of last Autumn a large number of free, enlightened and patriotic Republicans, among whom were the Hon. Obed Hall M. C. Hon Silas Meserve with many Civil and Military Officers, associated and formed themselves into a Company of Volunteers under the U. S. V. act, and I, although...
15146To James Madison from William I, 20 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
D’après les voeux unanimes des Puissances assemblées au Congrès de Vienne et l’intérêt des Peuples que la Divine Providence m’appelle à gouverner, Je me Suis déterminé à ne plus différer de prendre le titre de Roi des Pays bas et de Duc de Luxembourg. Les relations d’amitié qui subsistent entre nous, et celles Si heureusement établies entre nos Gouvernemens, me persuadent que Vous applaudirez...
15147To James Madison from William I, 19 February 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William I. 19 February 1817, Brussels. Announces the happy delivery by the Princess of Orange, his daughter-in-law, of a prince. RC ( DNA : RG 59, Communications from Heads of Foreign States, Netherlands). 1 p.; in French.
15148To James Madison from William I, 19 February 1816 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William I. 19 February 1816. Annouces that his daughter, the Princess of Orange, has just given birth to a son. RC ( DNA : RG 59, Communications from Heads of Foreign States, Netherlands). 1 p.; in French.
15149To James Madison from William I, 6 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
C’est avec un vrai plaisir que j’informe Votre Excellence du mariage entre mon très Cher Fils le Prince d’Orange & Son Altesse Impériale Madame la Grande Duchesse Anne Paulowne, dont les fiancailles ont été célébrées à St. Petersbourg le neuf Fevrier dernier. Je Suis trop persuadé des sentimens que Vous me portez, ainsi qu’a ma Maison Royale, pour ne pas être convaincu que Vous partagerez la...
15150To James Madison from David R. Williams, 12 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I called on you yesterday, at the request of Mr Halsey, but found you were engaged: indeed, I am not insensable that, the pressure of great public interests must necessarily occupy you every moment; and it is therefore, with a view to trespass less that, I seek to make an explanation which, I have not been able to deny to friendship, in this mode, rather than by personal interview. I am...